Engaging in Ethical Termination and Avoiding Abandonment (3HR) Presented by Diane Bigler, LCSW, LSCSW

All therapeutic relationships come to an end, but exactly how should that happen? Clinicians would be wise to avoid abandoning clients and instead engage in ethical termination. This training will distinguish between termination and abandonment from an NASW ethical perspective. Case studies will highlight the complexities of what clinicians should assess in their termination process with clients. Learners will feel more informed about the constitution of ethical termination and be prepared to engage in ethical termination practices with clients and avoid unethical abandonment.

Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:

• Educate clients on the grieving processes of the end of the therapeutic relationship as unique to the individual.
• Identify observable symptoms of prolonged grief to the end of the therapeutic relationship.
• Evaluate the client’s inner motivations for holding onto a prolonged therapeutic termination grieving process.
• Construct a model for helping clients move forward successfully from termination of services.
• Implement 5 interventions the therapist can use to help clients to process the end of therapy services.

Social workers completing this course receive 3 Ethics asynchronous continuing education credits.

For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 3 hours of Clinical and Ethics continuing education training.

Course Instructor: Diane Bigler, LCSW, LSCSW